Absorbent Product

ABSTRACT

Absorbent product including a liquid permeable perforated top sheet facing the wearer during use, a liquid impermeable back sheet facing away from the wearer during use, whereby longitudinally extending textile-like edges are positioned on both longitudinal sides of the top sheet, so that a central part of the top sheet is not covered by the textile-like edges, whereby the longitudinal diameter of the apertures of the top sheet is in the interval from 0.1 to 3.2 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 3.2 mm, more preferably from 0.9 to 2.4 and most preferably from 1.6 to 2.4 mm, wherein at least 70% of the area of the central part of the top sheet is apertured, and wherein the top sheet further includes perforations, that are positioned between the apertures of the top sheet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Application No. PCT/SE2005/001960filed Dec. 16, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention refers to an absorbent product, especially an incontinenceprotection, a sanitary napkin or a panty liner comprising a liquidpermeable apertured top sheet facing the wearer, a liquid impermeableback sheet facing away from the wearer, and an absorbent structurepositioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, and optionally aliquid distribution layer between the top sheet and the absorbentstructure, wherein the top sheet and the back sheet are sealed togetherat the periphery of the product thereby forming an edge sealing, andwhereby longitudinally extending textile-like edges are positioned onboth longitudinal sides of the top sheet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to provide an efficient liquid inlet in absorbent products, thecharacteristics of the top sheet material are important. Material choiceand hydrophilic/hydrophobic character are examples of parameters thatare important to optimize for the specific product and its specificpurpose, i.e., if the product is intended to absorb large or smallamounts of liquid, and the character of the liquid that is absorbed(blood, urine or a combination). One further aspect of the top sheetthat is important for the function is the structure of the top sheetmaterial, i.e., if it includes apertures, perforations, embossments andother structural characteristics, in order to e.g., provide efficientuptake and reduced risk for leakage.

EP-A-983758 discloses an absorbent article comprising a nonwoven topsheet, which is apertured in the central area. The open area is about10% and the apertures have an effective size of at least 0.2 mm².

EP-A-761190 discloses an absorbent product such as a sanitary napkinhaving perforations of varying sizes for beneficial liquid uptake.

EP-A-523683 discloses an absorbent product such as a pantilinercomprising a top sheet (e.g., a perforated film) that is covered with askin-friendly nonwoven material at its longitudinal edges. The open areaof the perforated central part of the top sheet is 30-60%.

The present invention is concerned with absorbent products, whereby thedemand for optimized absorbent capacity is high. It is important thatthe product has an efficient liquid intake, and it is important that therisk for leakage is minimized. Further, it is important that the productcan function well at varying situations; it must be capable to take careof very large amounts of liquid at a short time period, as well as onlya few droplets over a long period of time. Some consumers will use aproduct of this type each day, and some will use it only a few daysevery month. In order to satisfy these varying needs the product needsto have a quick liquid inlet and it needs to have a dry surface. A drysurface is very important for consumers wearing the product, e.g.,during an entire working day. Hence, the product must have a lowrewetting; i.e., the possibility for liquid that has been absorbed bythe absorbent structure of the product to return to the top sheet mustbe low.

The absorbent products that are available today for this consumercategory have shown to have non-satisfying rewetting properties.

Moreover, by using a large open area in a top sheet material, a quickliquid inlet is achieved. However, normally this will lead tonon-satisfying rewetting properties, since liquid easily returns to thesurface of the top sheet, especially when the product experiencespressure, which frequently is the case when the product is worn by theconsumer, e.g., when the consumer moves or sits down.

Thus, many aspects must be considered and many demands must be met inorder to provide a well-functioning product for this consumer category.Known products and prior art references address some of these demands,but it has shown to be difficult to meet all these demands in a singleproduct. Further, since the product in some cases can be small in size,it is even further difficult to meet the demands by a single product.

The object of the invention is to provide an absorbent product thatcombines the relevant features discussed above in a single product, sothat consumer demands with regard to liquid inlet, dry top sheet surfaceduring use and wearer comfort are met.

SUMMARY

The inventors of the present invention have succeeded in providing anabsorbent product that solves these problems by a unique design ofperforations and apertures of the top sheet. Thus, in a first aspect theinvention refers to an absorbent product, having an apertured top sheet,wherein the longitudinal diameter of the apertures of the top sheet arein the interval from 0.1 to 6.0 mm, preferably in the interval from 0.1to 3.2 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 3.2 mm, more preferably from 0.9 to2.4 mm and most preferably from 1.6 to 2.4 mm, wherein at least 20%,preferably at least 50% and more preferably at least 70% of the width ofthe upper surface of the top sheet of the crotch part is aperturedand/or perforated.

In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet further includes perforationsthat are positioned between the apertures of the top sheet.

Hereby, since relatively large apertures are used, liquid is quickly letthrough the top sheet to the absorbent structure. Further, since smallperforations can be positioned between the apertures and the top sheet,at least in the crotch area, to a large extent is open, the acquisitionproperties are enhanced. Preferably, at least 80% of the width of thetop sheet of the crotch part is apertured and/or perforated. Also, theapertures of the textile-like edges further improve the acquisitioncharacteristics of the product, and decreases the risk for any leakage.Thus, the combination of apertures and perforations in the top sheet andin the textile-like edges, gives a product having outstanding qualitieswith regard acquisition among other qualities.

In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet is three-dimensionally formed,wherein each aperture has an upper longitudinal diameter (D) and a lowerlongitudinal diameter (d), wherein D is positioned closer to the topsurface of the product, whereby D≧d. Preferably, D>d so that theapertures of the top sheet are basically funnel-shaped. Hereby anefficient inlet is achieved, and liquid that has been absorbed does noteasily return to the surface of the top sheet as a result of the designof the apertures.

In a preferred embodiment the density of apertures in the central partof the top sheet (i.e., the part that is not covered by the textile-likeedges) are in the interval from 3-15, preferably 6-12 and morepreferably 7-9 apertures/cm². Thus, since the apertures are large, andthe density of apertures is relatively low, the top sheet surfacebecomes relatively uneven and will be experienced by the users as softand absorbing, thus enhancing wearer comfort. Also, it is preferred thatthe width of the textile edges is in the interval from 10-30%,preferably 18-22% of the total product width at the least wide positionof the crotch part of the product. All these preferred featurescontribute to a balance that provides a product having quick liquidinlet and a dry surface.

In another preferred embodiment, the density of perforations (i.e., inthis context small apertures) in the top sheet is in the interval of20-500, preferably 70-250 and more preferably 120-170 perforations/cm².

Further, since the textile-like edges are preferably apertured, the riskfor leakage is even further reduced, since any liquid that is notabsorbed through the central part of the product will be absorbedthrough the textile-like edges. Thus, a liquid-absorbing “reservoir” isprovided by the apertured textile-like edges.

Preferably, the ratio between the diameter of the apertures of the topsheet and the diameter of the apertures of the textile-like edges is atleast 2. It is also preferred that the ratio between the open area ofthe top sheet and the open area of the textile-like edges is at least 2.Hence, by having larger apertures in the central part of the top sheetand/or a higher open area ratio in the central part of the top sheet,the absorbent capacity is higher where it is needed the most.

One important aspect of the invention is that the product of theinvention has a high absorption capacity in relation to its size. Inorder to achieve this advantage, some properties should be shown by theproduct.

To start with, the liquid inlet materials (top sheet and liquiddistribution layer) should be able to take care of a relatively largevolume of liquid. This is achieved by using a top sheet material havingfunnel-shaped three-dimensional apertures, and by providing a bulkymaterial, such as a high loft layer, beneath the top sheet. Thethree-dimensional structure of the apertured material together with thehigh loft layer gives a high free volume (void volume) that quickly cantake care of the liquid. The funnel-shaped apertures will also “collect”the liquid initially so that it does not flow off the surface. The filmof the top sheet material can also be pre-perforated with smallapertures, so that the liquid also partly can be taken in between thelarge apertures.

Secondly, the inlet materials should be able to keep the liquid that hasbeen taken up by the product during use. This is achieved by using thefilm of the top sheet material as a barrier against rewetting, i.e., tomake it difficult for the liquid to return to the skin of the wearer.The super absorbent polymer (SAP) of the absorbent core has also, ofcourse, a major contribution to keeping the absorbed liquid in theproduct. The three-dimensional structure of the top sheet and liquiddistribution layer, preferably high loft layer, also makes the distancebetween the skin of the wearer and the core of the product longer, sothat the product is experienced as drier.

Moreover, as a third point, the inlet materials need to provide a drysurface for the comfort of the wearer. This is achieved byultra-sonically welding the top sheet material and the liquiddistribution layer. Hereby, the top sheet material and liquiddistribution layer can be properly drained.

Further, as a fourth point, the inlet materials should be soft and airyfor the comfort of the wearer. This is achieved by that the material forthe textile edges is made in a soft nonwoven for providing good comfort,and by that it includes apertures for being “airier” and for giving agood inlet.

Thus, the invention is further directed to an absorbent product whereinthe product has at least one of the following characteristics (inaccordance with the experimental results shown in the example section):(i) an acquisition time for a first inlet of 5 ml synthetic urine thatis below 6 s, preferably equal to or less than 5 s, and an acquisitiontime for a second inlet of 5 ml synthetic urine that is below 8 s,preferably equal to or below 4 s; (ii) a DORUP (retention) value for adosage of 7 ml synthetic urine that is below 1 g, preferably below 0.5 gand more preferably equal to or below 0.2 g; or (iii) a Rothwell(Absorption capacity) value of more than 45 g, preferably more than 55g.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view a panty liner having asymmetric shapeof the invention including apertured textile-like edges.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view another panty liner of the inventioncomprising apertured textile-like edges.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of various layers of anabsorbent product of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a principal drawing showing the top sheet structure and theliquid distribution layer. Specifically, the general structure of thefunnel-shaped apertures of the top sheet is shown.

FIGS. 5-7 show experimental diagrams referring to the Example section ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to an absorbent product. By an “absorbentproduct” is meant a product such as an incontinence protection, asanitary napkin and a panty liner. The following definitions areprovided below for further clarity regarding features of the presentapplication.

By “open area” is meant the percentage of the surface of a material thatis composed of apertures and perforations. In the case of presence ofapertures that are three-dimensional, thus having e.g., a largerdiameter at the upper edge compared to the lower edge, the open areathus refers to the effective open area, and thus the (smaller) lowerdiameter.

By “at least x % of the width of the upper surface top sheet of thecrotch part being apertured and/or perforated” is meant that at a chosenposition of the crotch part, basically along a cross-directional lineover the upper surface of the top sheet, should at least x % of thesurface include aperture or a perforation for allowing liquid to passdown into the liquid distribution layer and/or the absorbent structure.Thus, with reference to FIG. 4, this refers to D, being the diameter atthe upper surface of the apertures. This value should not be confusedwith the open area, which would refer to d, the diameter of theeffective aperture through the top sheet material.

By a “longitudinal” direction or “machine direction” is meant thedirection along the length of the absorbent product, i.e., from the rearto the front of the product (or vice versa), and by “lateral” directionor “cross-direction” is meant the direction from side edge to side edgeof the product, i.e., across the width of the product.

FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose absorbent products in the form of a panty liner(10) and a pad (30) of the invention. As can be seen in each figure, theproduct is equipped with an apertured top sheet (11, 33). At thelongitudinal edges of the top sheet, textile-like edges (12, 32) areprovided. Preferably, the textile-like edges are apertured (15, 34).Further, the textile-like edges can be equipped with an embossedpattern, in order to add function or for design purposes. At theperiphery of the product, an edge sealing (13, 31) can be seen, whichseals the various layers of the product. In a preferred embodiment, theedge sealing includes a pattern of discrete welding points, e.g.,created by ultrasonic welding. Further (not shown), the top sheetpreferably includes small perforations in addition to the largerapertures.

Turning to FIG. 3, a principal drawing of the various layers of theproduct (50) can be seen. Starting from the top (intended to be closestto the skin of the wearer at use) the textile-like edges (51) can beseen, which are positioned at the longitudinal edges of the top sheet(52). The textile-like edges can be fastened to the top sheet by way ofembossing the textile-like edges, by ultrasonic bonding, by using anadhesive, such as a hotmelt, or a combination of fastening devices. Thetop sheet includes apertures (57), preferably three-dimensional andfunnel-shaped. Further (not shown) the top sheet preferably includessmall perforations (in addition to the larger apertures). Beneath thetop sheet an optional liquid distribution layer (53) can be positioned.In a preferred embodiment the liquid distribution layer is a high loftlayer. Beneath the liquid distribution layer, or directly beneath thetop sheet (in case no liquid distribution layer is present), theabsorbent structure (54) is positioned. For example, the absorbentstructure is a pressure-bonded airlaid core comprising superabsorbentpolymers. In a preferred embodiment, in order to provide a highabsorption capacity, which is necessary for a product of this type, theabsorbent structure includes about 50-60% super absorbent polymer.Beneath the absorbent structure, a back sheet (55) is provided. Forexample, the back sheet is a plastic film. Preferably, the plastic filmis breathable. At the outside of the back sheet a release paper ispositioned which is fastened to the back sheet, e.g., by glue strings orby any other conventional devices. An edge sealing (56), binding thetextile edges, e.g., by way of ultra-sonic welding, the liquiddistribution layer and the back sheet at the longitudinal edges can alsobe seen.

FIG. 4 shows schematically the three-dimensional structure and theapertures (43) of the top sheet (41) according to the invention. Thedistribution layer (42) is shown beneath the top sheet. The apertureshave an upper diameter D and a lower diameter d. Typically D>d so thatthe holes are funnel-shaped. Liquid that comes in contact with the topsheet will flow into the apertures from the upper diameter to the lowerdiameter and further into the liquid distribution layer.

The material of the inlet zone (between the textile edges) has largerapertures (compared to the textile edges) that preferably arethree-dimensionally funnel-shaped, so that the inlet zone is optimisedfor the function (inlet, dryness etc).

To the contrary, the textile edges are optimised for comfort (softness,airiness, etc.). Therefore, a two-dimensional material is more suitableto use for this part of the product. Also, a better visual appearance isobtained by using different materials for the inlet zone and the textileedges, respectively.

The apertures of the top sheet can be circular or oval shaped, having anelongation in the machine direction (normally the machine direction isthe longitudinal direction of the article). The apertures can bearranged in rows that extend in the cross-direction, in themachine-direction or diagonally. Also the holes can be arranged randomlyover the surface of the top sheet. Further, the holes can have varyingsizes and shapes, e.g., some holes can have a symmetric shape and otherholes can have an asymmetric shape.

The top sheet can have an aperture size of 1.6 to 3.2 mm in the machinedirection (longitudinally) and 0.9 to 2.3 mm in the cross direction(laterally). The aperture size can be from 1.0 to 6.0 mm in diameter.

The apertures of the textile edge can be oval-shaped, slightly elongatedin the machine direction. The holes can be round/circular, or oval inmachine direction or cross direction. The density of apertures in thetextile edges will normally be in the interval from 4-250/cm²,preferably from 50-120/cm². Further, the apertures of the textile edgescan be positioned in one or more than one longitudinal or lateral rows,or they can be positioned in a longitudinally extended row. Further, theapertures can have varying sizes and forms. They can also beconcentrated (zoned) to one or more zones of the textile edge, such asclose to the crotch area or the expected wetting point, so that thefunction of the apertures is concentrated to positions where it isespecially desired.

The open area of the top sheet can be in the interval from 2 to 70%,preferably from 5-50%, more preferably from 10-20%, most preferablyabout 14%.

The present invention is mainly directed to absorbent products such asan incontinence protection, a sanitary napkin or a panty liner. Eachproduct includes a rear part, a front part and a crotch part positionedthere between.

The product can be hour-glass shaped (wherein the rear part and frontpart essentially equally wide measured in the cross-direction, and thecrotch part is less wide than the front or rear part) or it can beasymmetrically shaped or it can have any other shape that is appropriatefor products of this type. By asymmetrical can be meant that the productis least wide in the crotch part of the product (measured incross-direction) and it is wider in the front part than in the rear part(measured at the widest position of the rear and front part respectivelyin cross-direction). For instance, the width in the crotch part of theproduct can be from 4-7 cm, especially from 4.5 to 5 cm, for exampleabout 4.7 cm. The width at the widest position of the front part can befrom 5 to 8 cm, especially from 6-7 cm, for example about 6.5 cm. Thewidth at the widest position of the rear part can be from 4.5 to 6.5 cm,especially from 5 to 6 cm, for example 5.3 cm.

In one preferred embodiment, the product of the invention is a pantyliner having a length in the interval from 13 to 22 cm, preferably ofabout 15.2 cm and a width at the least wide position of the crotch part,that is in the interval from 4 to 6.5 cm, preferably smaller than 5.0cm. The top sheet material is a three-dimensional pre-perforated filmwhich is equipped with further apertures, typically 7-9 apertures perrow. At the edges of the top sheet, textile edges, preferably apertured,are provided that are composed of nonwoven material. A high loft layeris included as a liquid distribution layer. Further, the absorbent coreis provided in the form of a roll-material including about 40-60% SAP.The edges of the product including the liquid distribution layer aresealed by way of ultra sonic bonding. The product further includes aback sheet, facing away from the wearer.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention refers to a panty linerincluding a carded nonwoven as a top sheet material. The carded materialis preperforated and includes apertures. At the edges of the top sheet atextile edge, preferably apertured, is provided that is composed ofnonwoven material. The liquid distribution layer is composed of anairlaid material and the absorbent core includes pulp and SAP. The edgesof the product including the liquid distribution layer are sealed by wayof ultra sonic bonding. The product further includes a back sheet,facing away from the wearer.

In still another preferred embodiment, the invention refers to asanitary napkin including an apertured top sheet material. At the edgesof the top sheet an apertured textile edge is provided that is composedof nonwoven material. Further, the sanitary napkin includes a liquiddistribution layer and an absorbent core. The edges of the productincluding the liquid distribution layer are sealed by way of ultra sonicbonding. The product further includes a back sheet, facing away from thewearer.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention refers to anincontinence product or incontinence guard including a liquid pervioustop sheet facing the wearer during use, optionally a liquid distributionlayer underneath the top sheet, an absorbent core, and a liquidimpermeable back sheet facing away from the wearer. Normally, theabsorbent core includes a compressed mixed or layered structure ofcellulosic fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers, however further orother material combinations as disclosed below are fully possible. Also,instead of being provided in one layer, the absorbent core may includetwo separate layers, or more.

The shape of the products of the invention can be hour-glass shaped(i.e., being less wide in the central part compared to the front andrear parts, which are equally wide). Also, the products of the inventioncan be asymmetrically shaped, whereby the product is less wide in thecentral part compared to the front and rear parts, and whereby the rearpart is less wide than the front part. Other shapes are also fullypossible for the products of the invention.

The textile-like edges are preferably made by a soft, skin-friendlymaterial, such as a nonwoven, so that any chafing against the skin ofthe wearer is reduced as much as possible. For example, the material ofthe textile-like edges can be a carded nonwoven. Preferably, thetextile-like edges are apertured.

The liquid-permeable top sheet is preferably made of a material showingproperties like dryness and softness at use of the absorbent product, asthis sheet lies against the body of the wearer. It is desired, that thesheet has a soft and textile-like surface, which remains dry also atrepeated wettings. The top sheet may for example be composed of nonwovenmaterial with a soft and smooth surface, such as, for example, aspunbond made of polypropylene fibers. In order to keep the surfaceclosest to the skin of the wearer dry, a hydrophobic nonwoven-materialmay be used, which has holes, so that openings are formed in thematerial, which openings are greater than the cavities between thefibers of the material. In this way, fluid may be led down through theholed openings in the top sheet to the underlying absorption core. Otherexamples of material in the top sheet may for example be holed plasticfilms, such as, for example, a holed polyethylene film. The top sheetmay be connected to the underlying back sheet and to the absorption coreby, for example, glue, ultra-sonic bonding or through some kind ofthermal bonding. Preferably, the top sheet is an apertured nonwoven,having an aperture density of 3-15, preferably 6-12 and more preferably7-9 apertures/cm².

It is desirable that the caliper value of the top sheet material is ashigh as possible, since a high caliper value has a beneficial effect onthe acquisition. However, in order to not affect the softness of thematerial negatively, a balance needs to be obtained, and thus a calipervalue in the interval from 1.3 to 1.7 mm, preferably about 1.5 mm, hasshown to be adequate.

Also, the top sheet material can be a three-dimensional laminate ofnonwoven and plastic film. The nonwoven can be a carded thermobonded100%-polypropylene based, hydrophilic material. The plastic film can behydrophilic, pre-perforated (small holes), and made of a blend ofpolyethylene and polypropylene.

Also, the nonwoven part of the top sheet material can be a spunbondnonwoven, an air-thru bonded nonwoven, a spunlaced (hydroentangled)nonwoven, a meltblown nonwoven, or a combination of these. Raw materialcan be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), polyamide(PA), or a combination of these. If there is a combination, there can bea mixture of fibers from different polymers, but each fiber can alsoinclude different polymers (for example, bicomponent fibers PP/PE orcopolymer PP/PE). The textile edge nonwoven can also include apercentage of natural fibers, such as pulp or viscose. The nonwoven canbe hydrophilic, permanent hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The nonwoven canhave a basis weight in the interval from 7 to 50 gsm.

The plastic film can also be made of PE or PP, PET, PLA or starch (orany other thermoplastic polymer), or a blend or copolymer of thepolymers mentioned.

The perforated top sheet can also be made of a single layer material,such as a nonwoven or film (as described above).

The liquid-impermeable back sheet includes a flexible material,preferably a thin plastic film of PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene),a polyester, or some other kind of suitable material, such as ahydrophobic nonwoven-layer or a laminate of a thin film and a nonwovenmaterial. These types of laminates are often used in order to achieve asoft and a textile-like surface of the back sheet. In order toaccomplish an airier and comfortable product it is also possible to usebreathable back sheets, which prevents fluid from coming out of theabsorbent product, but that allows moisture to be ventilated. Thesebreathable back sheets may be composed of single material layers, or oflaminates of, for example, blown or moulded polyethylene films, whichhave been laminated with, for example, a nonwoven layer of spunbond orof spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS).

The absorbent structure is typically built up by one or more layers ofcellulose fibers, for example cellulose fluff pulp. Other materials,which may be used, are for example absorbing nonwoven material, foammaterial, synthetic fiber materials or peat. In addition to cellulosefibers or other absorbing materials, the absorbent structure may alsoinclude superabsorbent material, so called SAP (super absorbentpolymers), that is material in the form of fibers, particles, granula,film or the like, which material has the ability to absorb fluidcorresponding to several times the weight of the superabsorbentmaterial. The superabsorbent material binds the fluid and forms afluid-containing gel. Moreover, the absorbent structure may includebinders, form-stabilizing components or the like. The absorbentstructure may be chemically or physically treated in order to change theabsorption properties. For instance, it is possible to provide anabsorbent layer with compressed regions and/or being compressed in theentire layer(s) in order to control the fluid flow in the absorbentbody. It is also possible to enclose the absorbent layer(s) in anenvelope of, for example, tissue material. For example, the absorbentstructure is an airlaid, pressure-bonded structure including 30-80%,preferably about 40-60%, more preferably 50-60% SAP.

Typically, the absorbent structure has in its longitudinal direction anoutstretched form, and may for example be essentially rectangular,T-shaped or hourglass-shaped. An hourglass-shaped absorbent body iswider in the front and rear parts than in the crotch part, in order toprovide an efficient fluid absorption simultaneously as the designfacilitates the product to form and to close around the user, therebygiving a better fit around the legs. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the absorbent structure has essentially straight andparallel longitudinal edges. The rear and front edges are rounded inorder to fit the shape of the product. Preferably, the rear edge isrounded in the form of at least three different radii. The front edgecan also be rounded in at least three different radii.

Also, the absorbent structure can be provided in the form of aroll-material, whereby the material typically is provided with a highcompression, or the structure can be formed by way of air-layingtechnique.

In yet another embodiment, the absorbent structure is equipped with awicking layer, which wicking layer has the purpose to spread fluidtowards the front part of the absorbent structure. Moreover, the wickinglayer does not necessarily need to cover the whole absorbent structure,but should preferably cover at least the part of the absorbent structurebeing in the front part of the casing, more preferably the part being inthe front and crotch parts of the casing, and most preferably the entireabsorbent structure.

The wicking layer is of a moisture permeable material, preferably tissuepaper or a hydrophilic non-woven, and functions to disperse the fluid,i.e. urine, passing through the liquid permeable top sheet, preferablyin a direction towards the front part of the diaper. The wicking layerincludes small capillaries directing the fluid towards smallercapillaries, due to capillary forces.

Additional liquid distribution layers may be used in the product of theinvention, preferably between the absorbent structure and the top sheet.For instance, additional layers improving the properties may be used,such as a transfer layer or various types of fluid-spreading materiallayers or inserts, so called waddings or high-loft layers. Typically,the liquid distribution layer is a porous, resilient, relatively thickmaterial layer, for example in the form of a fibrous high loft layer, acarded fibrous web, a tow material or other type of bulky and resilientfibrous material having a high momentaneous liquid receiving capacityand which can temporarily store liquid before it is absorbed by theunderlying absorbent core. Also, the liquid distribution layer may be inthe form of a porous foam material. Also, it may include two or morematerial layers. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid distributionlayer extends to the side edges of the product, i.e., it has basicallythe form of the top sheet or the top sheet including the textile edges.Hereby, advantages with regard to liquid distribution, edge sealing etc,as discussed above, can be achieved. However, the liquid distributionlayer can also be designed so that it does not extend into the edgesealings. The transfer layer can be an airlaid layer and it can includeSAP.

Further, the product of the invention is equipped with a release paperthat covers the outer side of the back sheet of the product. The releasepaper is fastened to the back sheet by way of glue strings.

At the periphery of the product, with a width of about 0.5 cm, an edgesealing is provided in order to secure the top sheet, the back sheet andoptionally the liquid distribution layer to each other. The edge sealingcan be made by way of adhering the layers to each other, by way ofembossment, by way of heat welding, by way of ultra sonic bonding, or acombination of these methods. Preferably, ultra-sonic bonding is used.Also, the sealing can be made as a continuous sealing or as discretepoint weldings. Preferably, the sealing is made as point weldings, sincethis provides some advantages with regard to, e.g., hydrophobiccharacter of the welding points as discussed above. Typically, thewelding points are at a distance of about 0.1-0.5 mm from each otherpreferably about 0.2 mm. For performing the ultra-sonic bonding, anultra-sonic bonding equipment is used. When the ultra-sonic bonding isperformed, a welding pattern is formed, which welding pattern can have aform that is visually attractive and/or that have technical advantages,such as an improved comfort for the wearer or effects with regard toliquid distribution or improved softness and/or dryness.

In order to prevent fluid to leak out, the absorbent product on the sidethat is facing the wearer may also be equipped with inner fluidbarriers, which are attached in connection to the longitudinal edges.Preferably, the inner barriers are made of an essentiallyliquid-impermeable material, such as for example, a hydrophobic nonwovenor a plastic film, and are formed as a longitudinal path with a firstedge being connected to the absorbent product and a second free edge,which is adapted for being in close contact with the user at use of theabsorbent product. The second edge is equipped with one or more elasticelements, preferably an elastic thread, which in contracted statecontracts the free edge, whereby an upstanding barrier is formed. Theinner barrier may be designed as a strip of a single sheet, wherein thefree edge is turned down in order to enclose the elastic element toprevent direct contact of the elastic thread to the user. Alternatively,the barrier may be formed of two combined layers, whereby the elasticthread is attached to the edge of the free end between the two layers.In this case, the inner layer of the barrier may be composed of anelongation of the top sheet and the outer layer of an essentiallyliquid-impermeable material, or the inner and outer layers of thebarrier may be composed of one single material strip, which is foldedaround the elastic thread. Further, the elastics can be provided in theform of foam, e.g., in a band or thread, or the elastics can be providedin any other conventional way.

Further, the product of the invention may be equipped with wings. Alsoproducts equipped with other layers than described in this disclosureare also included in the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

In all the attached examples, properties were compared between apanty-liner product according to one embodiment of the invention (herecalled “Tena”) and various conventional panty-liner products (see table1 and 2 for data for the compared products). The compared products havestructures that are similar to Tena. The “Tena-product” has anasymmetric shape (see FIG. 1 for a principal drawing), the top sheet isa perforated laminate between a nonwoven material and a plastic filmhaving a basis weight of about 40 gsm having apertured top sheet thatalso includes small perforations. Further, the product includes textileedges, a nonwoven high loft layer (basis weight of about 50 gsm) asliquid distribution layer, an absorbent core of cellulose fibers and SAP(about 50-60%) and a breathable back sheet. The “Tena” product is asmall panty liner product, and thus the experimental values should beinterpreted with regard to a small panty liner. However, since theresults that are shown for the Tena product can be regarded as an effectof using quick inlet materials (top sheet having large apertures,textile edges having apertures, and an absorbent core having a largeamount of SAP (about 50-60%)), the analogous results can be expected forother product types that are formed in a similar way by the sameprinciples, but being longer, heavier and thicker.

TABLE 1 Length Product Weight (g) Thickness (mm) (mm) Tena 3.4 2.9 152Alldays Normal 2.8 2.9 150 Always pantiliners Regular (US) 3.1 2.6 230Alldays Small 1.7 2.8 142 Libresse Normal 2.9 2.8 150 Carefree Original2.4 3.1 160 Kotex Normal 2.1 2.6 152 Poise light liners 3.3 2.7 165Alldays Extra Large 3.9 3.0 177 Always pantiliners Long (US) 4.1 3.1 280Carefree Maxi Large 3.0 3.0 180 Lindor active mini Ultra 3.8 2.3 165Libresse Large 3.8 2.6 175

TABLE 2 Carefree Libresse Kotex Alldays Alldays Alldays ConstructionTena Original Normal Normal Small Normal Extra Large Surface laminateThermobound Carded Nw 3D-PE 3D-PE 3D-PE PP- nw “Coform” “cotton-“cotton-like” “cotton-like” nw like” Drainage High loft ThermoboundAirlaid no Thermo- Thermo- Thermo- layer bicomponent bound PP- bound PP-bound PP- PP/PE nw nw nw Absorption Novathin, Novathin, Pulp and AirlaidAirlaid 2-layer 2-layer material SAP airlaid SAP pulp- with SAP- airlaidwith airlaid with with SAP system fibers SAP SAP SAP (% of About 55 —About 8 no — About 24 About 31 product)

Example 1 Acquisition

Acquisition properties (acquisition time) were tested (test method no17-28-14) by exposing the various products for a first inlet of 5 mlsynthetic urine (0.9% NaCl in water) followed by a second inlet of 5 mlsynthetic urine with an interval of 10 min. The results can be seen inFIG. 5, showing that Tena is significantly faster than almost all theother products for the first inlet, with exception to Always pantilinersLong, and significantly faster than all other products for the secondinlet. This shows that the construction of Tena is very capable of quickacquisition of liquid (not the least of urine type), thereby reducingrisk for any leakage.

Example 2 DORUP (Retention)

Retention properties were tested by exposing the various products for aninlet of 7 ml liquid (synthetic urine) (see FIG. 6). For more detailsconcerning the DORUP (retention)-experiment, reference is made to U.S.Pat. No. 6,557,398, which is incorporated herein by reference. As can beseen, Tena is significantly drier than all compared products. This showsthat the retention properties of Tena is superior to compared products.

Example 3 Rothwell (Absorption Capacity)

The Rothwell value (g) was tested (Method ISO 11948-1) (see FIG. 7).Tena was shown to have a significantly higher absorption capacity thanall compared pantyliners.

1. An absorbent product chosen from an incontinence protection, asanitary napkin and a panty liner, comprising: a liquid permeableperforated top sheet facing the wearer during use, a liquid impermeableback sheet facing away from the wearer during use, wherebylongitudinally extending textile-like edges are positioned on bothlongitudinal sides of the top sheet, so that a central part of the topsheet is not covered by the textile-like edges, wherein a longitudinaldiameter of the apertures of the top sheet is in the interval from 0.1to 3.2 mm, wherein at least 20% of the width of the upper surface of thetop sheet of the crotch part is apertured or perforated or both, andwherein the textile-like edges are apertured.
 2. The absorbent productaccording to claim 1, wherein the top sheet is three-dimensionallyformed, and wherein each aperture has a longitudinal upper diameter (D)and a longitudinal lower diameter (d), wherein D is positioned closer tothe top surface of the product, whereby D≧d.
 3. The absorbent productaccording to claim 2, wherein D>d so that the apertures of the top sheetare funnel-shaped.
 4. The absorbent product according to claim 1,wherein a density of the apertures in the central part of the top sheetis in the interval from 3-15 apertures/cm².
 5. The absorbent productaccording to claim 1, wherein the top sheet further comprisesperforations that are positioned between the apertures of the top sheet.6. The absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein the perforationsof the top sheet material have a diameter in the interval from 0.05 to 1mm.
 7. The absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein a density ofperforations in the top sheet is in the interval from 20-500perforations/cm².
 8. The absorbent product according to claim 1, whereinthe top sheet has a caliper value in the interval from 1.3 to 1.7 mm. 9.The absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein a width of thetextile edges is in the interval from 10-30%, of a total product widthat a least wide position of the crotch part of the product.
 10. Theabsorbent product according to claim 1, whereby the ratio between thediameter of the apertures of the top sheet and the diameter of theapertures of the textile-like edges is at least
 2. 11. The absorbentproduct according to claim 1, whereby the ratio between the open area ofthe top sheet and the open area of the textile-like edges is at least 2.12. The absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein the product hasa longitudinal length that is in the interval from 13-22 cm, and alateral width, at the least wide position of the crotch part, that is inthe interval from 4 to 6.5 cm.
 13. The absorbent product according toclaim 1, wherein the product has an acquisition time for a first inletof 5 ml synthetic urine that is below 6 s, and an acquisition time for asecond inlet of 5 ml synthetic urine that is below 8 s.
 14. Theabsorbent product according to claim 1, wherein the product has a DORUP(retention) value for a dosage of 7 ml synthetic urine that is below 1g.
 15. The absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein the producthas a Rothwell (Absorption capacity) value of more than 45 g.
 16. Theabsorbent product according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinaldiameter of the apertures of the top sheet is in the interval from 0.5to 3.2 mm, wherein at least 50% of the width of the upper surface of thetop sheet of the crotch part is apertured or perforated, and wherein thetextile-like edges are apertured.
 17. The absorbent product according toclaim 1, wherein the longitudinal diameter of the apertures of the topsheet is in the interval from 1.6 to 2.4 mm, wherein at least 70% of thewidth of the upper surface of the top sheet of the crotch part isapertured or perforated or both.
 18. The absorbent product according toclaim 4, wherein the density of the apertures in the central part of thetop sheet is in the interval from 7-9 apertures/cm².
 19. The absorbentproduct according to claim 6, wherein the perforations of the top sheetmaterial have a diameter in the interval from 0.1 to 0.4 mm.
 20. Theabsorbent product according to claim 7, wherein the density ofperforations in the top sheet is in the interval from 70-250perforations/cm².
 21. The absorbent product according to claim 7,wherein the density of perforations in the top sheet is in the intervalfrom 120-170 perforations/cm².
 22. The absorbent product according toclaim 9, wherein the width of the textile edges is in the interval from18-22%, of the total product width at the least wide position of thecrotch part of the product.
 23. The absorbent product according to claim12, wherein the longitudinal length is smaller than 15 cm, and thelateral width, at the least wide position of the crotch part, is smallerthan 5 cm.
 24. The absorbent product according to claim 13, wherein theacquisition time for the first inlet of 5 ml synthetic urine is-equal toor less than 5 s, and the acquisition time for the second inlet of 5 mlsynthetic urine is equal to or below 4 s.
 25. The absorbent productaccording to claim 14, wherein the DORUP (retention) value for a dosageof 7 ml synthetic urine that is below 0.5 g.
 26. The absorbent productaccording to claim 14, wherein the DORUP (retention) value for a dosageof 7 ml synthetic urine that is below 0.2 g.
 27. The absorbent productaccording to claim 15, wherein the Rothwell (Absorption capacity) valueis more than 55 g.
 28. An absorbent product, comprising: a liquidimpermeable perforated top sheet facing the wearer during use; a liquidimpermeable back sheet facing away from the wearer during use; andlongitudinally extending textile-like edges posited along first andsecond longitudinal edges of the top sheet; wherein a longitudinaldiameter of apertures of the top sheet are sized between approximately0.1 to 3.2 mm, at least 20% of a width of the upper surface of the topsheet is apertured or perforated or both, and the textile-like edges areapertured.